German journalist Christian Falk reports that Konrad Laimer, an Austrian midfielder now playing for RB Leipzig, will not be joining Chelsea because he prefers to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old was a target for Chelsea and Liverpool during the January transfer window, but the player preferred to go for nothing to Bayern next summer when his contract with Leipzig expires.
The primary draw for various European clubs to attempt and recruit the Austrian international was his contractual predicament. He insists on remaining in Germany, nevertheless.
Laimer is a skilled midfielder who can play anywhere in the center of the field and can also play right back. He is a responsible member of the team who does well in most of the positions he is asked to play.
The 25-year-old arrived in Leipzig from sister club Salzburg five years ago. He has had an injury-hit season so far, with a ligament tear suffered in September set to keep him out of action till the New Year (Transfermarkt). Fortunately, Austria did not qualify for the World Cup for him to miss it.
We know by now that Chelsea would need multiple additions to the midfield department in the upcoming transfer windows. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s contracts expire at the end of this season, and they have not signed an extension yet.
Konrad Laimer of Leipzig in action against Liverpool.
Moreover, the likes of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek haven’t made full use of the opportunities given to them this season.
Laimer could have been a great addition with regard to the energy and versatility he can bring. The best part about signing him would have been the cut-price nature of the deal due to the player’s contract situation.
The Blues would now need to look at other options. It’s a shame because there are not many midfielders you can get in the market on a potential free transfer than Laimer.
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